Experts explore whether Ohio quake tied to wells

Associated Press Published: September 4, 2014 4:00 AM

WEATHERSFIELD -- State regulators and scientists in Ohio are working to determine whether an earthquake in northeast Ohio on Sunday has any connection to nearby injection wells.

The Warren Tribune Chronicle reported Wednesday that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and scientists from Columbia University are studying the cause of the 2.1-magnitude quake centered in Weathersfield, near Youngstown.

ODNR spokesman Mark Bruce said a determination should be made by week's end.

The newspaper reports two injection wells for the disposal of wastewater from oil and gas drilling had received permission to operate nearby in March. Bruce said one of the wells recently received permission to increase its pressures.

The citizens group Frackfree Mahoning Valley called for an immediate halt to deep injection at the wells. It plans a public meeting Wednesday.